American Academy of Pediatrics

The American Academy of Pediatrics ("AAP") is an organization of pediatricians, physicians trained to deal with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. Its motto is: "Dedicated to the Health of All Children." Most American pediatricians are members of this physician-focused organization.

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History

In 1930, 60 physicians who specialized in child health founded the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The name of the non-profit organization reflected the physician's commitment to children and the specialty of pediatrics. It also formally acknowledged the difference between adult and child health care. In 1948, the first issue of their journal Pediatrics was published.

In the last 75 years, the AAP has grown to a membership of 60,000 board-certified primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists. Through advocacy efforts, physician education, research, and the continual creation of pediatric care and practice policies, AAP members and staff work tirelessly to affect broad social and medical changes benefiting all children and the future of pediatrics.

A Board of Directors, consisting of district chairs elected by AAP members in 10 geographic districts, oversees the governance of the AAP. AAP chapters are organized groups of pediatricians and other health care professionals working to achieve AAP goals in their communities. There are 59 chapters in the US and 7 chapters in Canada.

The AAP is located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

Mission statement

"The mission of the American Academy of Pediatrics is to attain optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults."

Fellows

A Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP) must be certified in pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics, American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, or La Corporation Professionelle de Medicins du Quebec. A Specialty Fellow must be certified in a specialty of pediatrics. A Corresponding Fellow is a fellow who resides and practices in a country other than the United States of America, its territories, or Canada, and must have been certified by the appropriate boards.

Controversy

The AAP has recently faced criticism over its campaign for stricter gun controls and its support for gay adoption.

Campaign for Children's Health Care

AAP is a partner in the Campaign for Children's Health Care, a multi-year campaign to raise awareness about the problem of uninsured children in America.

• Campaign for Children's Health Care